When going on holiday, it’s always a little bit extra special when you get the opportunity to visit the filming locations of your favourite films and TV shows. Today, we present you with the best filming locations in Dublin.
Film and TV directors love Ireland for the same reason travellers from all around the world love Ireland; we have it all!
We have ancient megalithic structures, medieval castles, lush green landscapes, and, of course, the best beer in the world (we like to think it’s the best beer anyway!).
As our loyal readers will know, here at Ireland Before You Die, we only recommend the absolute best.
With that being said, if you haven’t yet seen some of the shows featured in today’s article, you can consider watching them as part of your “research” for your next trip to the beautiful city of Dublin.
As promised, here are our top five recommendations for the best filming locations in Dublin.
5. Grafton Street, Dublin City ‒ Once, Michael Collins
Kick-starting our list of the best filming locations in Dublin is one of the busiest and best shopping streets in Europe, Grafton Street.
Whether you’re looking to do some shopping, grab a nice cold pint of Guinness, or get a bite to eat, Grafton Street is the place to be.
While here, you’re practically guaranteed to be treated to a fantastic street performance by both local and international musicians alike.
Grafton Street has also been the starting point in the careers of many professional musicians such as Bono, Damien Rice, and the extremely talented Rodrigo y Gabriela.
If you’re really lucky, you might even stumble across some of these famous artists coming back for a surprise street performance. It has been known to happen!
Address: Grafton Street, Dublin City
4. Whelan’s Pub, Dublin City ‒ P.S. I Love You
Just a short ten-minute walk from Grafton Street is Whelan’s Pub. Whether you’re in the mood for a bit of stand-up comedy or free live music, you’ll be sure to find it here.
Whelan’s has been home to live music for over 70 years. It is a great place for live entertainment in a traditional Irish setting.
If you’re just looking to unwind after a busy day in Dublin, they also have a popular 1950’s style sitting room to relax in called The Parlour.
Address: 25 Wexford St, Portobello, Dublin 2, D02 H527
3. Phoenix Park, Dublin City ‒ The Tudors
Next up, we have Phoenix Park, which is the largest city park in Europe. In terms of size, it is a staggering 1750 acres, the equivalent of about 1,323 football fields!
While its size is impressive, it’s more famously known among locals for the 600 wild fallow deer that roam the park. Your best chance of spotting these beautiful animals is on mornings and weekdays near the Papal Cross in Phoenix Park.
Having featured in the popular TV series, The Tudors, Phoenix Park is undoubtedly one of the best filming locations in Dublin you need to visit.
Address: Phoenix Park, Dublin City
2. Dunsoghly Castle, Co. Dublin ‒ Braveheart
No trip to Ireland is complete without a visit to at least one castle. Approximately 30 minutes from Dublin city centre, but still within Dublin County, is Dunsoghly Castle.
This castle and National Monument was built around the year 1450 by Sir Thomas Plunkett. It was occupied by his family for more than 400 years!
As impressive as this sounds, many know it better as the setting of Edinburgh Castle in the movie Braveheart.
Address: Dunsoghly, Co. Dublin
1. Temple Bar, Dublin City ‒ Leap Year
It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to you that we have not one but two pubs on our list of the best filming locations in Dublin. It is Ireland, after all!
Situated in the heart of Dublin City along the Liffey River is where you’ll find the most iconic bar in Ireland, Temple Bar. This traditional Irish pub has over 450 different kinds of rare whiskey, which is said to be the largest whiskey collection in all of Ireland.
You’ll have no trouble finding this place, either. It’s a beautiful red building adorned with various old-school tobacco and alcohol advertisements on the corner of the street.
Coming in off the cobbled pathways of Dublin, you’ll be greeted with a warm, vibrant atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find people having a great time and you will undoubtedly feel like you’re in the centre of Ireland.
Address: 47-48, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 N725
And that’s a wrap on the best filming locations in Dublin. We hope you enjoyed it and got some ideas for your next trip to Dublin (or for the next show you’re going to watch!).
If you’re interested in learning more about filming locations throughout Dublin and Ireland, be sure to have a look around our site for more top recommendations.
By Matthew England
